Perception - IRJSTEM

Attitudes of private university undergraduate students` towards Electronic Learning (e-learning): A case study of Valley View University

admin_irjstem Abstract Attitude, E-learning platforms, Online learning, Perception, Undergraduate students

Samuel Ameyaw, Emmanuel Laryea
Corresponding email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T

The integration of technology within higher education has grown significantly due to its flexibility, which permits learners to retrieve course content and engage in academic activities from anywhere, often at their own pace. The study aimed to assess learners` attitudes at Valley View University (VVU) towards the e-learning system. The study adopted a descriptive survey technique. The target population was 296 undergraduate students at the VVU’s Oyibi campus. Copies of the questionnaire were deployed as the only data collection instrument for the study. The analysis found that many learners exhibited a negative disposition regarding the online education. Students could engage with their peers on the learning platform (Online Forum Learning Platform, OFLP) to share information and discuss issues about their studies, according to the findings. However, students occasionally faced challenges submitting assignments and downloading documents from the platform due to unstable internet connectivity. The study recommends periodic training opportunities for learners to enhance their ability to navigate e-learning platforms effectively. The study suggests promptly addressing internet-related issues to cultivate a favourable perception of e-learning among learners. For students’ studies, regular ICT staff availability is critical. This helps them meet their IT needs, particularly when engaging with e-learning platforms and tools.

Full Paper PDF

Students’ perception of community as classroom for learning Geography in middle secondary school

admin_irjstem Abstract Challenges, Community as classroom, Opportunities, Perception, Strategy

Karma Sonam Rigdel , Mani Raj Thapa
Corresponding email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T

It is crucial to collaborate with the local community for learning to assist students in understanding reality given the changing needs of the world. By considering this perspective, a community-centred approach is embedded within local to global contexts to enhance students’ learning and civic development. However, the Department of Curriculum and Professional Development (2019) revealed that Community-Based Learning is rarely integrated into Geography lessons. Given these contexts, the present study seeks to explore the use of Community as Classroom (CAC) as a teaching strategy in learning Geography in middle secondary schools. As guided by pragmatism, a mixed-method design is applied to assess the students’ perceptions of the use of CAC as a learning strategy. The study also explored the relationship between the use of CAC strategy and students’ learning outcomes, opportunities, challenges and relevancy of CAC in the Bhutanese Geography curriculum. The survey questionnaires were administered to 264 students and four focus group interviews consisting of 6 members in a group were conducted and employed a purposive sampling strategy. Responses were analyzed using statistical and thematic analysis followed by triangulation of the quantitative and qualitative findings. The study revealed that the CAC strategy was relevant in enhancing social and academic standards. The findings indicated that the communities have abundant resources and the use of CAC strategy has imperative opportunities. However, this potential is hindered by several challenges. Moreover, the findings are consistent with the Bhutan Baccalaureate which considered community inclusion towards the creation of a knowledgeable and sustainable society.

Full Paper PDF

Public awareness of forensic science: A cross sectional study in Lebanon

admin_irjstem Abstract Forensic science, Knowledge, Lebanon, Perception, Public awareness

Paula Romanos
Independent researcher, Beirut, Lebanon
Corresponding Email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T
Forensic science is the application of science in order to serve the law. Among the vast field of forensics, forensic DNA casework is widely considered as one of the most outstanding types of forensic evidence. To better implement forensic investigation procedures, public awareness of forensic science is crucially required. The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of awareness among Lebanese public community by assessing their knowledge and perception regarding forensics and to question their willingness to participate in the national DNA database or in scientific research. A cross sectional study was conducted over 400 adult Lebanese from both genders residing in the five Lebanese governorates. The survey questionnaire was designed and carried out from August 2021 to February 2022 with 89% as responsive rate. The participants’ characteristics were under study as well as their knowledge and perception statements in the purpose of investigating their relative association through independent t-test. The study revealed that 40% of the participants were aware of the forensic science. In addition, only 26% of the participants are willing to provide DNA sample. Moreover, sex and marital status factors has no impact neither on their public awareness nor on their intention to donate a DNA sample. Nevertheless, characteristics such as age, education, profession, and residency has significant differences. The survey identified that younger, employed, more educated people, and individuals residing in cities showed a better awareness of forensic science and intention to provide a DNA sample. However, it is very early to decisively predict the level of awareness and the rates of participation given the fact that nationwide surveys have yet to be launched. By consequence, awareness campaigns to increase public awareness on the importance of forensics is necessary to reduce concerns and gaps in Lebanese personal knowledge, and to encourage their future participation.

Full Paper PDF